A week ago I found last year's wrap-up and goals blog. And I attempted to write something. And days passed. Concrete goals work for me. I love checklists, numbers, charts, and my sticker workout calendar. I met many many 2013 goals. I ran anoth... Read more

Reading over my old race recaps helps get me ready for races. It reminds me of what I've learned, how I felt at certain points, what my goals are, etc. This race was a week ago and it's already a little fuzzy.
I read my marathon blog. And... Read more

Since Sunday's marathon, I have experienced intense moments of pride. And equally intense moments of disappointment. And that is exactly why I will do it again someday. The range of emotions makes me feel alive.
These pictures capture th... Read more

I have learned a lot about running & racing from Spark blogs. When you read that no race will be like your first marathon; they're right. When they say to start slow; they're right.
My first marathon experience was magical. And I really d... Read more

3 years ago I threw my name in the Twin Cities lottery for the 10 mile event. I heard it was hard to get in and didn't think I would. Well, I got in. My first thought was: "Crap. Now I have to learn how to run 10 miles." My longest run at that ... Read more

Marathon training has not gone as perfectly as I planned. Add in a monster heat wave and I am mentally & physically crushed. It was so hot this week that the largest school districts in the state closed for 2 days. That is unheard of!
The... Read more

Prior to this summer I was in maintenance mode for 2 years. Now I'm not even sure what to call the mode I'm in. Frustration mode? My running shorts don't fit right - but it's hard to create a calorie deficit when I need to fuel an 18 mile run - ... Read more

Last summer I raced my first Olympic triathlon. And it was a doozy. Immediately afterwards I said I'd never do that distance again. Within a few days, I knew I needed to conquer it. I am a swimmer: It comes fairly easy to me, I love it, people b... Read more

One surprising thing I learned after my first marathon is that it's not the 26.2 miles that are the most significant. It's the xx.x training miles that make the experience so intense. Because of that, I was equally excited and nervous to start ... Read more

Some last minute 4th of July planning had my family running a 4 mile race. My dad has done the race many times before. He emailed us about a tough course, no medals or T-shirts and a "minimal fee." Well, what the heck does that mean? We have to... Read more

I've been in a reflective mood since Father's Day. From now on the holiday is going to remind me of running.
2 years ago I ran my first race: a 5K with my family. If you're interested, here's the blog:
www.sparkpeople.com/mypa... Read more